Aerobic Exercise May Improve Arterial Function in Obese Men

Twelve-week training program decreases body mass index, increases central arterial distensibility

MONDAY, Sept. 14 (HealthDay News) -- In overweight and obese middle-age men, habitual exercise may significantly increase central arterial distensibility according to a study published in the Sept. 15 issue of the American Journal of Cardiology.

Asako Miyaki, of the University of Tsukuba in Japan, and colleagues studied 21 men (mean age, 50 years; mean body mass index, 30) who completed a 12-week aerobic exercise training weight-loss program.

The researchers found that the training program resulted in significant decreases in body weight, body mass index, and the β-stiffness index, along with a significant increase in carotid arterial compliance. They also observed two significant changes associated with improved endothelial function: a decrease in plasma endothelin-1 concentration and an increase in plasma nitric oxide.

"We suggest that regular aerobic exercise is an important strategy that can be applied to prevent the occurrence of vascular disease in overweight and obese humans," the authors write.

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